TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan Water Corporation recently completed its pipeline expansion project in Miaoli County, bringing water to 974 homes in Touwu Township.

The state-owned water supplier held a ceremony on Tuesday marking the project’s completion, per a press release. The upgrade, funded with NT$127.86 million (US$4.23 million) and spanning approximately 17.3 kilometers of pipeline, increases the township’s tap water coverage to 67%, per UDN.

According to the county government, Touwu’s terrain and scattered population have made it difficult to extend pipelines, leaving many residents reliant on groundwater or mountain water, per CNA. Since 2015, climate change has caused groundwater levels to drop, resulting in frequent water shortages during dry river periods.

The nearly six-year effort to bring piped water to the township began in 2018, following repeated shortages and sustained advocacy from then-Legislator Hsu Chih-jung (徐志榮). Construction began in late 2019, with the final phase completed in March 2025.

Legislator Chiu Chen-chun (邱鎮軍) noted that Miaoli has historically lagged in tap water access despite abundant reservoirs. New funding caps — up to NT$1 million per household in reservoir-adjacent areas — should accelerate future expansion, he added.

Water Resources Agency Director-General Lin Yuan-peng (林元鵬) said that unstable spring water and climate change risks make piped water critical for stability and economic growth, vowing continued support for rural development.